Power off delay system and method

ABSTRACT

A power off delay system and method is configured to delay termination of electrical power to a digital pathology device in a power off condition. If the apparatus includes a UPS, the power off delay system and method delays termination of electrical power when a power switch is turned off and when a catastrophic power failure occurs. During the delay of the termination of electrical power, the digital pathology device is configured to control the scanning stage system and the glass slide conveyor system and the slide rack conveyor system to place each of these systems into a known state and position all glass slides into a known position prior to the termination of electrical power to the digital pathology device. This allows the digital pathology device to resume normal operation upon power up.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/637,299, filed on Mar. 1, 2018, which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference as if set forth in full.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to pathology sample processingdevices and more particularly relates to safely shutting down thepathology sample processing device in response to a power off even or apower failure event.

Related Art

Digital pathology is an image-based information environment which isenabled by computer technology that allows for the management ofinformation generated from a physical slide. Digital pathology isenabled in part by virtual microscopy, which is the practice of scanninga specimen on a physical glass slide and creating a digital slide imagethat can be stored, viewed, managed, and analyzed on a computer monitor.With the capability of imaging an entire glass slide, the field ofdigital pathology exploded and is currently regarded as one of the mostpromising avenues of diagnostic medicine in order to achieve evenbetter, faster and cheaper diagnosis, prognosis and prediction of cancerand other important diseases.

In a conventional pathology sample processing device, a power offcondition caused by pressing the power switch or by a catastrophic powerfailure results in the pathology sample processing device having anunknown state when the power is restored to the system. This unknownstate requires user intervention and manual repositioning of pathologysamples and/or glass slides, for example repositioning a glass slidefrom the scanning stage back into the slide rack in order to return thepathology sample processing device to a known state so that normaloperation can resume upon the return of the flow of electrical power.

In some conventional pathology sample processing devices, anuninterruptible power supply (“UPS”) is added that allows the system tocontinue normal operation during a catastrophic power failure. However,if the power failure persists and the UPS itself runs out of power, thepathology sample processing device experiences a delayed catastrophicpower failure. Therefore, what is needed is a system and method thatovercomes these significant problems found in the conventional systemsas described above.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, described herein is a power off delay system and methodthat solves the problems described above by allowing a pathology sampleprocessing device to delay termination of electrical power to thepathology sample processing device in a power off condition. During thedelay, the pathology sample processing device is configured to controlthe systems and sub-systems of the pathology sample processing device toplace each of these systems and sub-systems into a known state andposition all pathology samples and/or glass slides into a known positionprior to the termination of electrical power to the pathology sampleprocessing device. This allows the pathology sample processing device toresume normal operation without manual intervention when the flow ofelectrical power is returned. The controlled power off condition alsoallows the system to protect glass slides and/or the samples that arebeing processed by the pathology sample processing device to preventdamage to the glass slides and/or the samples.

Similarly, some pathology sample processing devices are configured tosuspend movement of all moving parts when a protective housing of thepathology sample processing device is opened. These pathology sampleprocessing devices are controlled by the power off delay system to placeeach of the systems and/or sub-systems into a known state and positionall pathology samples and/or glass slides into a known position prior tothe suspension of movement of the moving parts and in response todetecting that the protective housing has been opened.

In an embodiment, a digital pathology device comprises a stage uponwhich a glass slide is positioned during scanning, a slide conveyorsystem configured to move glass slides between a position in the sliderack and a position on the stage, a power switch configured to controlthe flow of electrical power between an external power source and thedigital pathology device, and a processor configured to detect a signalfrom the power switch indicating that the flow of electrical power fromthe external power source to the digital pathology device is to beswitched off. In response to detecting the signal from the power switchindicating that the flow of electrical power from the external powersource to the digital pathology device is to be switched off (orotherwise interrupted), the processor is further configured to controlthe stage and the slide rack and the slide conveyor system to positionall glass slides in the slide rack prior to termination of the flow ofelectrical power from the external power source to the digital pathologydevice.

In an embodiment, a digital pathology device comprises a stage uponwhich a glass slide is positioned during scanning, a slide conveyorsystem configured to move glass slides between a position in the sliderack and a position on the stage, an uninterruptible power supplyconfigured to supply power to the digital scanning device in the eventof a power failure comprising a termination of the flow of electricalpower from an external power source to the digital pathology device, anda processor configured to detect a signal from the uninterruptible powersupply indicating that the flow of electrical power from the externalpower source to the digital pathology device has been terminated. Inresponse to detecting the signal from the uninterruptible power supplyindicating that the flow of electrical power from the external powersource to the digital pathology device has been terminated (or otherwiseinterrupted), the processor is further configured to control the stageand the slide rack and the slide conveyor system to position all glassslides in the slide rack prior to termination of the flow of electricalpower from the uninterruptible power supply to the digital pathologydevice.

In an embodiment, a digital pathology device comprises a plurality ofmoving parts including a stage upon which a glass slide is positionedduring scanning and a slide conveyor system configured to move glassslides between a position in the slide rack and a position on the stage,a housing having an open position and a closed position, the housingconfigured to surround the plurality of moving parts on at least aplurality of sides in the closed position, a sensor system configured todetect a transition of the housing from the closed position to the openposition, and a processor configured to control movement of theplurality of moving parts. The processor is configured to receive asignal from the sensor system and determine based upon the signal thatthe housing has transitioned from the closed position to the openposition, and subsequent to determining that the housing hastransitioned from the closed position to the open position, theprocessor is further configured to control the stage and the slide rackand the slide conveyor system to position all glass slides in the sliderack and subsequent to positioning all glass slides in the slide rack,to prevent movement of the plurality of moving parts.

In an embodiment, a method for delaying a power-off condition in adigital pathology device comprises detecting a signal from a powerswitch configured to control the flow of electrical power between anexternal power source and the digital pathology device, determiningbased on the signal from the power switch that the flow of electricalpower from an external power source to a digital pathology device is tobe terminated, and delaying termination of the flow of electrical powerfrom the external power source to a digital pathology device for apredetermined delay period. The method further includes, during thedelay period, controlling the stage and the slide rack and the slideconveyor system to position all glass slides in the slide rack prior totermination of the flow of electrical power from the external powersource to the digital pathology device.

In an embodiment, a method for delaying a power-off condition in adigital pathology device having an uninterruptible power supplycomprises detecting a signal from the uninterruptible power supply, anddetermining based on the signal from the uninterruptible power supplythat the flow of electrical power from the external power source to adigital pathology device has been terminated (or otherwise interrupted).The method further includes, subsequent to determining that during theflow of electrical power from the external power source to a digitalpathology device has been terminated, controlling the stage and theslide rack and the slide conveyor system to position all glass slides inthe slide rack prior to termination of the flow of electrical power fromthe uninterruptible power supply to the digital pathology device.

In an embodiment, a method for delaying a power-off condition in adigital pathology device comprises receiving a signal from a sensorsystem and determining based upon the signal that the housing hastransitioned from the closed position to the open position. The methodfurther includes, subsequent to determining that the housing hastransitioned from the closed position to the open position, controllingthe stage and the slide rack and the slide conveyor system to positionall glass slides in the slide rack. The method further includes,subsequent to positioning all glass slides in the slide rack,controlling the plurality of moving parts to prevent movement of theplurality of moving parts.

In an embodiment, a pathology sample processing device comprises apathology sample processing system configured to process a pathologysample, a conveyor system configured to move a pathology sample from afirst position to a second position, a power switch configured tocontrol the flow of electrical power between an external power sourceand the pathology sample processing device, and a processor configuredto detect a signal from the power switch indicating that the flow ofelectrical power from the external power source to the pathology sampleprocessing device is to be switched off. In response to detecting thesignal from the power switch indicating that the flow of electricalpower from the external power source to the pathology sample processingdevice is to be switched off, the processor is further configured tocontrol the pathology sample processing system and the conveyor systemto position all pathology samples in a known position prior totermination of the flow of electrical power from the external powersource to the pathology sample processing device.

In an embodiment, a pathology sample processing device comprises apathology sample processing system configured to process a pathologysample, a conveyor system configured to move a pathology sample from afirst position to a second position, an uninterruptible power supplyconfigured to supply power to the pathology sample processing device inthe event of a power failure comprising a termination of the flow ofelectrical power from an external power source to the pathology sampleprocessing device, and a processor configured to detect a signal fromthe uninterruptible power supply indicating that the flow of electricalpower from the external power source to the pathology sample processingdevice has been terminated. In response to detecting the signal from theuninterruptible power supply indicating that the flow of electricalpower from the external power source to the pathology sample processingdevice has been terminated, the processor is further configured tocontrol the pathology sample processing system and the conveyor systemto position all pathology samples in a known position prior totermination of the flow of electrical power from the uninterruptiblepower supply to the pathology sample processing device.

In an embodiment, a pathology sample processing device comprises aplurality of moving parts including a pathology sample processing systemconfigured to process a pathology sample and a conveyor systemconfigured to move a pathology sample from a first position to a secondposition, a housing having an open position and a closed position, thehousing configured to surround the plurality of moving parts on at leasta plurality of sides in the closed position, a sensor system configuredto detect a transition of the housing from the closed position to theopen position, and a processor configured to control movement of theplurality of moving parts. In this embodiment, the processor is alsoconfigured to receive a signal from the sensor system and determinebased upon the signal that the housing has transitioned from the closedposition to the open position. Subsequent to determining that thehousing has transitioned from the closed position to the open position,the processor is further configured to control the pathology sampleprocessing system and the conveyor system to position all pathologysamples in a known position and subsequently prevent movement of theplurality of moving parts during a time period in which the housing isin the open position.

In an embodiment, a method for delaying a power-off condition in apathology sample processing device having a pathology sample processingsystem configured to process a pathology sample and a conveyor systemconfigured to move the pathology sample from a first position to asecond position comprises detecting a signal from a power switchconfigured to control the flow of electrical power between an externalpower source and the pathology sample processing device, determiningbased on the signal from the power switch that the flow of electricalpower from an external power source to the pathology sample processingdevice is to be terminated, and delaying termination of the flow ofelectrical power from the external power source to the pathology sampleprocessing device for a predetermined delay period. The method alsoincludes, during the delay period, controlling the pathology sampleprocessing system and the conveyor system to position all pathologysamples in a known position prior to termination of the flow ofelectrical power from the external power source to the pathology sampleprocessing device.

In an embodiment, a method for delaying a power-off condition in apathology sample processing device having a pathology sample processingsystem configured to process a pathology sample, a conveyor systemconfigured to move the pathology sample from a first position to asecond position, and an uninterruptible power supply configured tosupply power to the pathology sample processing device in the event of apower failure comprising a termination of the flow of electrical powerfrom an external power source to the pathology sample processing devicecomprises detecting a signal from the uninterruptible power supply anddetermining based on the signal from the uninterruptible power supplythat the flow of electrical power from the external power source to apathology sample processing device has been terminated. The method alsoincludes, subsequent to determining that the flow of electrical powerfrom the external power source to the pathology sample processing devicehas been terminated, controlling the pathology sample processing systemand the conveyor system to position all pathology samples in a knownposition prior to termination of the flow of electrical power from theuninterruptible power supply to the pathology sample processing device.

In an embodiment, a method for delaying a power-off condition in apathology sample processing device having a plurality of moving partsincluding a pathology sample processing system configured to process apathology sample, a conveyor system configured to move the pathologysample from a first position to a second position, and a housing havingan open position and a closed position, comprises receiving a signalfrom a sensor system and determining based upon the signal that thehousing has transitioned from the closed position to the open position.The method also includes, subsequent to determining that the housing hastransitioned from the closed position to the open position, controllingthe pathology sample processing system and the conveyor system toposition all pathology samples into a known position. The method alsoincludes, subsequent to positioning all pathology samples into a knownposition, controlling the plurality of moving parts to prevent movementof the plurality of moving parts during a time period in which thehousing is in the open position.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become morereadily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after reviewingthe following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The structure and operation of the present invention will be understoodfrom a review of the following detailed description and the accompanyingdrawings in which like reference numerals refer to like parts and inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example digital pathologydevice according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating an example process for controlledpower loss in a digital pathology device according to an embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating an example process for controlledpower loss in a digital pathology device according to an embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating an example process for preventingmovement of moving parts in a digital pathology device according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example system for sampleprocessing according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6A is a block diagram illustrating an example processor enableddevice that may be used in connection with various embodiments describedherein;

FIG. 6B is a block diagram illustrating an example line scan camerahaving a single linear array;

FIG. 6C is a block diagram illustrating an example line scan camerahaving three linear arrays; and

FIG. 6D is a block diagram illustrating an example line scan camerahaving a plurality of linear arrays.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain embodiments disclosed herein provide for a power off delaysystem and method that delays termination of the flow of electricity toa pathology sample processing system and controls the moving parts andsub-systems of the pathology sample processing system to place each ofthese systems into a known state and position all pathology samples(e.g., glass slides with a sample thereon) into a known position priorto the termination of electrical power to the digital pathology device.After reading this description it will become apparent to one skilled inthe art how to implement the invention in various alternativeembodiments and alternative applications. However, although variousembodiments of the present invention will be described herein, it isunderstood that these embodiments are presented by way of example only,and not limitation. As such, this detailed description of variousalternative embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope orbreadth of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims.Furthermore, in this description, a pathology sample processing systemmay be referred to as a digital pathology device and/or a digital slidescanning device or a digital scanner or the like. As described laterwith respect to FIG. 5, there are a number of different devices that areinvolved in pathology sample processing and as used herein, a pathologysample processing system includes any and all of such devices that maybe involved in the processing of a sample.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example digital pathologydevice 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. In theillustrated embodiment, the digital pathology device 10 is connected toan external power source 30 that supplies power to the scanning device10 via a power supply 40. The digital pathology device 10 also includesa power switch 60 that is communicatively coupled with an off delayrelay 50 that is positioned in the path 20 of the flow of electricalpower from the external power source 30 to the digital pathology device10. When the power switch 60 is manipulated into an OFF position, thepower switch 60 sends a signal to the off delay relay 50 that causes theoff delay relay 50 to initiate a delay timer that is implemented by theoff delay relay 50. The off delay relay 50, in turn, delays thetermination of power from the external power source 30 to the digitalpathology device 10 for a delay period amount of time. In oneembodiment, the delay period is a predetermined amount of time.

The power switch 60 is also communicatively coupled with a processor 70that is configured to control operation of the digital pathology device10 system and its various scanning systems and sub-systems 100 and allmoving parts of the digital pathology device 10. When the power switch60 is manipulated into an OFF position, the power switch 60 sends asignal to the processor 70 that causes the processor 70 to initiate apark procedure that controls at least the scanning stage system and theslide rack system and the slide conveyor system included in the scanningsystems and sub-systems 100 to place each of these systems into a knownstate (i.e., a safe condition state) and to position each glass slide ina slide rack prior to termination of the flow of electrical power fromthe external power source 30 to the digital pathology device 10.

The digital pathology device 10 also includes a cover interlock sensorsystem 80 that is configured to detect when a housing of the scanningdevice 10 is opened. In one embodiment, the cover interlock system 80 isa magnetic sensor system that generates a signal when the housing of thescanning device 10 is closed. In this embodiment, the processor 70 isconfigured to detect an absence of the signal and thereby determine thatthe housing of the scanning device 10 has transitioned into an openposition. In an alternative embodiment, the processor 70 may beconfigured to detect the presence of a signal and thereby determine thatthe housing of the scanning device 10 has transitioned into an openposition. When the processor 70 determines that the housing of thescanning device 10 has transitioned into an open position, the processor70 initiates a park procedure that controls at least the scanning stagesystem and the slide rack system and the slide conveyor system of thescanning systems and sub-systems 100 to place each of these systems intoa known state (i.e., a safe condition state) and to position each glassslide in a slide rack. After completing the park procedure, theprocessor 70 also disables motion of all other moving parts/systemswhile the housing of the digital pathology device 10 remains in an openposition.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating an example process for controlledpower loss in a digital pathology device 10 according to an embodimentof the invention. The illustrated process may be carried out by adigital pathology device 10 such as described with respect to FIGS. 1and 5A-5D. In the illustrated embodiment, initially in step 200, thescanning device 10 detects a signal from the power switch indicatingthat the power switch has been manipulated. In step 210, the scanningdevice 10 determines, based on the signal from the power switch, thatthe flow of electrical power from the external power source to thescanning device 10 is to be turned off. For example, an operator of thescanning device 10 may have manipulated the power switch into an “off”position.

Next, in step 220, termination of the flow of electrical power from theexternal power source to the scanning device 10 is delayed.Advantageously, the delay may be implemented by an off delay relayapparatus that is electrically coupled with the electrical path for theflow of electrical power from the external power source to the scanningdevice 10.

Next, in step 230, a processor of the scanning device 10 initiates apark procedure that controls at least the scanning stage system and theslide rack system and the slide conveyor system of the scanning device10 to place each of these systems into a known state (i.e., a safecondition state) and to position each glass slide in a slide rack priorto termination of the flow of electrical power from the external powersource to the scanning device 10 in step 240. This advantageously placesthe digital pathology device 10 into a known state (i.e., a safecondition state) prior to powering off such that when power is restoredto the scanning device 10, the scanning device 10 may resume normaloperation without manual intervention by an operator.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating an example process for controlledpower loss in a digital pathology device 10 according to an embodimentof the invention. The illustrated process may be carried out by adigital pathology device 10 such as described with respect to FIGS. 1and 5A-5D that is configured with an uninterruptible power supply. Inthe illustrated embodiment, initially in step 300, the scanning device10 detects a signal from the uninterruptible power supply indicatingthat the flow of electrical power from the external power source hasbeen terminated. In step 310, the scanning device 10 determines, basedon the signal from the uninterruptible power supply, that the flow ofelectrical power from the external power source to the scanning device10 has been terminated. The flow of electrical power may have beenterminated due to a catastrophic power failure, an accidental powerfailure, or any other reason. For example, an operator of the scanningdevice 10 may have manipulated the power switch into an “off” position.

Next, in optional step 320, a processor of the scanning device 10determines a duration of the power off delay. For example, the processormay determine that the uninterruptible power supply has a power level(i.e., has sufficient energy stored) to allow continued operation of thescanning apparatus for a specific amount of time, which corresponds tothe duration of the power off delay. In one embodiment, the duration ofthe power off delay is determined by the processor to correspond to atime when the power level of the uninterruptible power supply reaches apredetermined threshold, for example, when 90% of the stored energy isdepleted. Next, in optional step 330, the scanning device 10 continuesnormal operation during the duration of the power off delay.Advantageously, electrical power from the external power source may berestored during the duration of the power off delay to allow thescanning device 10 to maintain continuous operation.

Next, in step 340, a processor of the scanning device 10 initiates apark procedure that controls at least the scanning stage system and theslide rack system and the slide conveyor system of the scanning device10 to place each of these systems into a known state (i.e., a safecondition state) and to position each glass slide in a slide rack priorto termination of the flow of electrical power from the external powersource to the scanning device 10 in step 350. This advantageously placesthe digital pathology device 10 into a known state (i.e., a safecondition state) prior to powering off such that when power is restoredto the scanning device 10, the scanning device 10 may resume normaloperation without manual intervention by an operator. Advantageously,the park procedure may be implemented at any time after the processordetermines in step 310 that the flow of electrical power from theexternal power source to the scanning device 10 has been terminated.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating an example process for preventingmovement of moving parts in a digital pathology device 10 according toan embodiment of the invention. The illustrated process may be carriedout by a digital pathology device 10 such as described with respect toFIGS. 1 and 5A-5D. In the illustrated embodiment, initially in step 400,the scanning device 10 receives a signal (or detects the absence of asignal) from a sensor system indicating that a housing of the scanningdevice 10 has transitioned from a closed position to an open position.In step 410, the scanning device 10 determines, based on the signal (orabsence thereof) from the sensor system, that a housing of the scanningdevice 10 has transitioned from a closed position to an open positionthat requires for safety purposes that movement of all moving parts ofthe scanning device 10 be suspended. For example, an operator of thescanning device 10 may have opened the primary housing that covers thescanning device 10.

Next, in step 420, a processor of the scanning device 10 initiates apark procedure that controls at least the scanning stage system and theslide rack system and the slide conveyor system of the scanning device10 to place each of these systems into a known state (i.e., a safecondition state) and to position each glass slide in a slide rack priorto termination of the flow of electrical power from the external powersource to the scanning device 10. This advantageously places the digitalpathology device 10 into a known state (i.e., a safe condition state)such that the scanning device 10 may resume normal operation withoutmanual intervention by an operator when the housing transitions backinto a closed position.

Next, in step 430, a processor of the digital pathology device 10controls all moving parts of the scanning device 10 to disable motion ofall of the moving parts of the scanning device 10 while the housing ofthe digital pathology device 10 remains in an open position.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example system 450 for sampleprocessing according to an embodiment of the invention. In theillustrated embodiment, the system 450 includes a sample processor 460,a sample embedder 465, a microtome 470, a stainer 475, a cover slipper480 and a digital slide scanner 485. The order of the systems in FIG. 5represents one example sequence for sample processing in the sampleprocessing system 450. Alternative sequences may also be employed asdesired.

In pathology, a large number of devices are used in the laboratory forsample preparation, beginning with a sample processor 460 in which thebiological samples are fixed, dehydrated, and infiltrated with paraffin.In this process, the sample is located in a closed cassette having smallopenings for liquid exchange. Multiple cassettes are grouped together incontainers, and processed simultaneously. One example of a sampleprocessor 460 is depicted and described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No.7,722,811 B2 (processor), which is incorporated herein by reference inits entirety. Processing takes place here in a retort into which variouschemicals are pumped. Embedding of the sample into a paraffin block isthen accomplished using a further device such as embedder 465. Oneexample of an automatically operating device is depicted and describedin U.S. Pat. No. 9,671,322 (embedder), which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety. This paraffin block having the sample issectioned into thin slices with a microtome 470, and the sectionedsamples are mounted onto a specimen slide. One example of a microtome470 is depicted and described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,273,000 B2 (microtome),which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The paraffinblock having the sample is clamped into the specimen holder that, drivenby the handwheel, executes an up-and-down motion and thereby guides thesample over the knife. Thin sections of the sample are thereby produced,and are applied onto a specimen slide and then further processed in astaining device 475. One example of a staining device 475 of this kindis described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,821,072 (stainer), which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety. In the stainer 475, the specimenslide passes through several baths having reagents. After completion ofthe staining process, the specimen slide is equipped with a coverslip ina further device such as cover slipper 480 (coverslipper). One exampleof a coverslipper 480 is likewise depicted and described in U.S. Pat.No. 6,821,072 (coverslipper), which is incorporated herein by referencein its entirety. In one embodiment, the two devices are connected to oneanother via a transfer station. In the coverslipper 480, a liquidadhesive is applied via a hollow needle onto the sample and thecoverslip is placed thereonto. The adhesive must then dry in order toprevent the coverslip from shifting on the specimen slide. The stainedand coverslipped samples on the specimen slides are then viewed with amicroscope or a microscopic scanning device 485 for diagnosis. Oneexample of a scanning device 485 is depicted and described in U.S. Pat.No. 7,133,543 B2 (scanner), which is incorporated herein by reference inits entirety. During the process, multiple specimen slides are groupedtogether, above or next to one another, in transportable racks. Theythen pass through the respective process in the various devices.

In the various devices, there are individual process steps which aretime-critical and in which loss of or damage to the sample occurs if theprocessing time is too short or too long. Provision is also made for avariety of process steps in which the samples are processed under apressure >1 bar and at a temperature >20° C. Desiccation of the samplesin the processor 460 or the stainer 475, or drying of the adhesiveapplied onto the sample in the coverslipper 480, also result in damageto the sample.

In an automatic coverslipper 480 or a scanning device 485, the specimenslides arranged in the racks are automatically withdrawn individuallyand conveyed to a processing station. It is important here that theassociation between specimen slide and cassette compartment not be lost,and that the transport process be completed. The above-describedpossible damage to or loss of the samples, or undefined device states,occur in the event of a power supply failure.

The object of this embodiment is to avoid these disadvantages and toensure reliable emergency operation of the device in the event of powerfluctuations or a power failure. This object is achieved by way of thefollowing features:

Each device is equipped with a dedicated (integrated) uninterruptiblepower supply (UPS).

A controller (e.g., a microcontroller, central processing unit, or othertype of computer processor device) is provided which, upon a response bythe UPS (power supply failure, power fluctuations), switches off thosepower consumers of the device which are not immediately required (e.g.displays, heating devices, pumps, transport devices, etc.) and/or doesnot start any new processes.

Via the controller, the samples in the (time-) critical processes areprocessed to completion (e.g. applied adhesive is covered with acoverslip, the hollow needle is introduced into a vessel with solvent,infiltration with paraffin).

Via the controller, the samples are conveyed into a non-critical area(samples in a staining bath are conveyed into a water bath, specimenslides are conveyed back into the rack).

Via the controller and the charge state of the UPS of each individualdevice, calculation and control are implemented as to whether the sampleis to be processed to completion or conveyed into a non-critical area.

The UPSs of the individual devices are electrically connected to oneanother via an electrical connection 490.

The electrical connection is activated by the control device only upon aresponse by the UPSs.

The calculated data regarding remaining running time and charge stateare exchanged among the individual control devices.

The control devices are electrically/electronically connected to oneanother via a bus system 495 or alternatively, a network 495.

In the event of a power supply failure, the UPSs of the other units arealso utilized via the control device.

In the event of failure of only one or two phases of the power supply,continued operation can be ensured via the control device and theelectrical connections.

After utilization of the UPS, normal operation is resumed via thecontrol device only when a predetermined charge state of the UPS hasagain been reached.

Via the control device, firstly the interrupted (time-critical)processes are continued prior to normal operation.

A device having no interrupted time-critical processes (e.g. scanner,embedder=device for embedding the sample into a paraffin block) is putback into operation via the control device only after a predetermined orpredeterminable charge state of the UPS, or of all UPSs, has beenreached.

Each control device can take on the functionality of a master forcoordination and for data exchange with all control devices.

The master control device can be selected manually or automatically inaccordance with the capacity utilization of the control device.

The master control device can take over calculation of the remainingrunning time of all connected control devices, and exchanges data withthe individual control devices.

The networking of all UPSs ensures that all critical processes aresafely terminated, and that a longer remaining running time is furnishedfor individual devices in order to terminate processes normally.

Threshold values for battery discharge can be selected via the controldevice for each individual UPS, so that devices with time-criticalprocesses (processors, strainers) can resume operation more quickly thandevices with less-critical or completed processes (scanners, embedders,etc.).

The sequence in which the individual devices are restarted can bepreselected via the master (control device).

Battery charge threshold values that must be reached before the deviceresumes operation can be preselected for each individual UPS via thecontrol device.

An emergency power unit can be integrated into the assemblage ofindividual UPSs.

Example Embodiments

In one embodiment, a digital pathology device 10 includes a stage uponwhich a glass slide is positioned during scanning and a slide rack inwhich glass slides are positioned before and after scanning and a slideconveyor system configured to move glass slides between a position inthe slide rack and a position on the stage and a power switch configuredto control the flow of electrical power between an external power sourceand the digital pathology device 10. The scanning device 10 alsoincludes a processor configured to detect a signal from the power switchindicating that the flow of electrical power from the external powersource to the digital pathology device 10 is to be switched off. Whenthe processor detects the signal from the power switch indicating thatthe flow of electrical power from the external power source to thedigital pathology device 10 is to be switched off, the processor isconfigured to control the stage and the slide rack and the slideconveyor system to position all glass slides in the slide rack prior totermination of the flow of electrical power from the external powersource to the digital pathology device 10.

In one embodiment, the power switch further comprises an off-delaycontrol relay configured to delay termination of the flow of electricalpower from the external power source to the digital pathology device 10.

In one embodiment, a digital pathology device 10 includes a stage uponwhich a glass slide is positioned during scanning and a slide rack inwhich glass slides are positioned before and after scanning and a slideconveyor system configured to move glass slides between a position inthe slide rack and a position on the stage and an uninterruptible powersupply configured to supply power to the digital scanning device 10 inthe event of a power failure comprising a termination of the flow ofelectrical power from an external power source to the digital pathologydevice 10. The scanning device 10 also includes a processor configuredto detect a signal from the uninterruptible power supply indicating thatthe flow of electrical power from the external power source to thedigital pathology device 10 has been terminated. When the processordetects the signal from the uninterruptible power supply indicating thatthe flow of electrical power from the external power source to thedigital pathology device 10 has been terminated, the processor isfurther configured to control the stage and the slide rack and the slideconveyor system to position all glass slides in the slide rack prior totermination of the flow of electrical power from the uninterruptiblepower supply to the digital pathology device 10.

In one embodiment, the processor is further configured to delay controlof the stage and the slide rack and the slide conveyor system toposition all glass slides in the slide rack until the uninterruptiblepower supply has reached a predetermined threshold power level.

In one embodiment, a digital pathology device 10 comprises a pluralityof moving parts including a stage upon which a glass slide is positionedduring scanning and a slide rack in which glass slides are positionedbefore and after scanning and a slide conveyor system configured to moveglass slides between a position in the slide rack and a position on thestage. The digital pathology device 10 also includes a housing having anopen position and a closed position. In one embodiment, the housing maybe configured to surround the plurality of moving parts on at least aplurality of sides in the closed position. The digital pathology device10 also includes a sensor system configured to detect a transition ofthe housing from the closed position to the open position.

The digital pathology device 10 also includes a processor configured tocontrol movement of the plurality of moving parts. The processor isconfigured to receive a signal from the sensor system and determinebased upon the signal that the housing has transitioned from the closedposition to the open position. Subsequent to determining that thehousing has transitioned from the closed position to the open position,the processor is further configured to control the stage and the sliderack and the slide conveyor system to position all glass slides in theslide rack. Subsequent to positioning all glass slides in the sliderack, the processor is further configured to prevent movement of theplurality of moving parts. In one embodiment, the sensor system is amagnetic sensor system.

In one embodiment, a digital pathology device 10 having a stage uponwhich a glass slide is positioned during scanning and a slide rack inwhich glass slides are positioned before and after scanning and a slideconveyor system configured to move glass slides between a position inthe slide rack and a position on the stage implements a method fordelaying a power-off condition. Performing the method includes detectinga signal from a power switch configured to control the flow ofelectrical power between an external power source and determining basedon the signal from the power switch that the flow of electrical powerfrom an external power source to a digital pathology device 10 is to beterminated. The method also includes delaying termination of the flow ofelectrical power from the external power source to a digital pathologydevice 10 for a predetermined delay period and during the delay period,controlling the stage and the slide rack and the slide conveyor systemto position all glass slides in the slide rack prior to termination ofthe flow of electrical power from the external power source to thedigital pathology device 10. In one embodiment, the method also includesusing an off-delay control relay to delay termination of the flow ofelectrical power from the external power source to the digital pathologydevice 10.

In one embodiment, a digital pathology device 10 having a stage uponwhich a glass slide is positioned during scanning, a slide rack in whichglass slides are positioned before and after scanning, a slide conveyorsystem configured to move glass slides between a position in the sliderack and a position on the stage, and an uninterruptible power supplyconfigured to supply power to the digital scanning device 10 in theevent of a power failure comprising a termination of the flow ofelectrical power from an external power source to the digital pathologydevice 10 implements a method for delaying a power-off condition.Performing the method includes detecting a signal from theuninterruptible power supply, determining based on the signal from theuninterruptible power supply that the flow of electrical power from theexternal power source to a digital pathology device 10 has beenterminated, and subsequent to determining that during the flow ofelectrical power from the external power source to a digital pathologydevice 10 has been terminated, controlling the stage and the slide rackand the slide conveyor system to position all glass slides in the sliderack prior to termination of the flow of electrical power from theuninterruptible power supply to the digital pathology device 10.

In one version of embodiment, the method also includes delaying controlof the stage and the slide rack to position all glass slides in theslide rack until the uninterruptible power supply has reached apredetermined threshold power level.

In one embodiment, a digital pathology device 10 having a plurality ofmoving parts including a stage upon which a glass slide is positionedduring scanning, a slide rack conveyor system configured to move a sliderack in which glass slides are positioned before and after scanning, aslide conveyor system configured to move glass slides between a positionin the slide rack and a position on the stage, and a housing having anopen position and a closed implements a method for delaying a power-offcondition. Performing the method includes receiving a signal from asensor system, determining based upon the signal that the housing hastransitioned from the closed position to the open position andsubsequent to determining that the housing has transitioned from theclosed position to the open position, controlling the stage and theslide rack and the slide conveyor system to position all glass slides inthe slide rack, and subsequent to positioning all glass slides in theslide rack, controlling the plurality of moving parts to preventmovement of the plurality of moving parts. In one embodiment, the sensorsystem is a magnetic sensor system.

In one embodiment, a pathology sample processing device includes apathology sample processing system configured to process a pathologysample. The device also includes a conveyor system configured to move apathology sample from a first position to a second position and a powerswitch configured to control the flow of electrical power between anexternal power source and the pathology sample processing device. Thedevice also includes a processor configured to detect a signal from thepower switch indicating that the flow of electrical power from theexternal power source to the pathology sample processing device is to beswitched off. The processor is further configured to, in response todetecting the signal from the power switch indicating that the flow ofelectrical power from the external power source to the pathology sampleprocessing device is to be switched off, control the pathology sampleprocessing system and the conveyor system to position all pathologysamples in a known position prior to termination of the flow ofelectrical power from the external power source to the pathology sampleprocessing device.

In a version of this embodiment, the power switch further comprises anoff-delay control relay configured to delay termination of the flow ofelectrical power from the external power source to the pathology sampleprocessing device. In a version of this embodiment, at least a portionof the pathology sample is positioned on a glass slide.

In one embodiment, a pathology sample processing device includes apathology sample processing system configured to process a pathologysample and a conveyor system configured to move a pathology sample froma first position to a second position. The device also includes anuninterruptible power supply configured to supply power to the pathologysample processing device in the event of a power failure comprising atermination of the flow of electrical power from an external powersource to the pathology sample processing device. The device alsoincludes a processor configured to detect a signal from theuninterruptible power supply indicating that the flow of electricalpower from the external power source to the pathology sample processingdevice has been terminated. The processor is also configured to, inresponse to detecting the signal from the uninterruptible power supplyindicating that the flow of electrical power from the external powersource to the pathology sample processing device has been terminated,control the pathology sample processing system and the conveyor systemto position all pathology samples in a known position prior totermination of the flow of electrical power from the uninterruptiblepower supply to the pathology sample processing device.

In a version of this embodiment, the processor is further configured todelay control of the pathology sample processing system and the conveyorsystem to position all pathology samples in a known position until theuninterruptible power supply has reached a predetermined threshold powerlevel. In a version of this embodiment, at least a portion of thepathology sample is positioned on a glass slide.

In one embodiment, a pathology sample processing device includes aplurality of moving parts including a pathology sample processing systemconfigured to process a pathology sample and a conveyor systemconfigured to move a pathology sample from a first position to a secondposition. The device also includes a housing having an open position anda closed position, the housing configured to surround the plurality ofmoving parts on at least a plurality of sides in the closed position anda sensor system configured to detect a transition of the housing fromthe closed position to the open position. The device also includes aprocessor configured to control movement of the plurality of movingparts. The processor is also configured to receive a signal from thesensor system and determine based upon the signal that the housing hastransitioned from the closed position to the open position, andsubsequent to determining that the housing has transitioned from theclosed position to the open position, the processor is furtherconfigured to control the pathology sample processing system and theconveyor system to position all pathology samples in a known positionand subsequently prevent movement of the plurality of moving partsduring a time period in which the housing is in the open position. Inone version of this embodiment, the sensor system is a magnetic sensorsystem.

In one embodiment, there is a method for delaying a power-off conditionin a pathology sample processing device that has a pathology sampleprocessing system configured to process a pathology sample and aconveyor system configured to move the pathology sample from a firstposition to a second position. In this embodiment, the method includesdetecting a signal from a power switch configured to control the flow ofelectrical power between an external power source and the pathologysample processing device. The method also includes determining based onthe signal from the power switch that the flow of electrical power froman external power source to the pathology sample processing device is tobe terminated. The method also includes delaying termination of the flowof electrical power from the external power source to the pathologysample processing device for a predetermined delay period. During thedelay period, the method also includes controlling the pathology sampleprocessing system and the conveyor system to position all pathologysamples in a known position prior to termination of the flow ofelectrical power from the external power source to the pathology sampleprocessing device.

In this embodiment, the method also includes using an off-delay controlrelay to delay termination of the flow of electrical power from theexternal power source to the pathology sample processing device. In oneversion of this embodiment, at least a portion of the pathology sampleis positioned on a glass slide.

In one embodiment, there is a method for delaying a power-off conditionin a pathology sample processing device having a pathology sampleprocessing system configured to process a pathology sample, a conveyorsystem configured to move the pathology sample from a first position toa second position, and an uninterruptible power supply configured tosupply power to the pathology sample processing device in the event of apower failure comprising a termination of the flow of electrical powerfrom an external power source to the pathology sample processing device.In this embodiment, the method includes detecting a signal from theuninterruptible power supply, determining based on the signal from theuninterruptible power supply that the flow of electrical power from theexternal power source to a pathology sample processing device has beenterminated, and subsequent to determining that the flow of electricalpower from the external power source to the pathology sample processingdevice has been terminated, controlling the pathology sample processingsystem and the conveyor system to position all pathology samples in aknown position prior to termination of the flow of electrical power fromthe uninterruptible power supply to the pathology sample processingdevice.

In this embodiment, the method also includes delaying control of thepathology sample processing system and the conveyor system until theuninterruptible power supply has reached a predetermined threshold powerlevel. In one version of this embodiment, at least a portion of thepathology sample is positioned on a glass slide.

In one embodiment, there is a method for delaying a power-off conditionin a pathology sample processing device having a plurality of movingparts including a pathology sample processing system configured toprocess a pathology sample, a conveyor system configured to move thepathology sample from a first position to a second position, and ahousing having an open position and a closed position. In thisembodiment, the method includes receiving a signal from a sensor systemand determining based upon the signal that the housing has transitionedfrom the closed position to the open position. The method also includes,subsequent to determining that the housing has transitioned from theclosed position to the open position, controlling the pathology sampleprocessing system and the conveyor system to position all pathologysamples into a known position. The method also includes, subsequent topositioning all pathology samples into a known position, controlling theplurality of moving parts to prevent movement of the plurality of movingparts during a time period in which the housing is in the open position.

In one version of this embodiment, the sensor system is a magneticsensor system. In one version of this embodiment, at least a portion ofthe pathology sample is positioned on a glass slide.

FIG. 6A is a block diagram illustrating an example processor enableddevice 550 that may be used in connection with various embodimentsdescribed herein. Alternative forms of the device 550 may also be usedas will be understood by the skilled artisan. In the illustratedembodiment, the device 550 is presented as a digital imaging device(also referred to herein as a scanner system or a scanning system) thatcomprises one or more processors 555, one or more memories 565, one ormore motion controllers 570, one or more interface systems 575, one ormore movable stages 580 that each support one or more glass slides 585with one or more samples 590, one or more illumination systems 595 thatilluminate the sample, one or more objective lenses 600 that each definean optical path 605 that travels along an optical axis, one or moreobjective lens positioners 630, one or more optional epi-illuminationsystems 635 (e.g., included in a fluorescence scanner system), one ormore focusing optics 610, one or more line scan cameras 615 and/or oneor more area scan cameras 620, each of which define a separate field ofview 625 on the sample 590 and/or glass slide 585. The various elementsof the scanner system 550 are communicatively coupled via one or morecommunication busses 560. Although there may be one or more of each ofthe various elements of the scanner system 550, for simplicity in thedescription that follows, these elements will be described in thesingular except when needed to be described in the plural to convey theappropriate information.

The one or more processors 555 may include, for example, a centralprocessing unit (“CPU”) and a separate graphics processing unit (“GPU”)capable of processing instructions in parallel or the one or moreprocessors 555 may include a multicore processor capable of processinginstructions in parallel. Additional separate processors may also beprovided to control particular components or perform particularfunctions such as image processing. For example, additional processorsmay include an auxiliary processor to manage data input, an auxiliaryprocessor to perform floating point mathematical operations, aspecial-purpose processor having an architecture suitable for fastexecution of signal processing algorithms (e.g., digital signalprocessor), a slave processor subordinate to the main processor (e.g.,back-end processor), an additional processor for controlling the linescan camera 615, the stage 580, the objective lens 225, and/or a display(not shown). Such additional processors may be separate discreteprocessors or may be integrated with the processor 555. The one or moreprocessors may be configured to control the motor that drives thepush/pull assembly and further configured to control movement of thescanning stage and the slide rack and thereby control the overallworkflow of the digital imaging device and the loading of glass slidesfrom the slide rack onto the stage and the unloading of glass slidesfrom the stage into the slide rack.

The memory 565 provides storage of data and instructions for programsthat can be executed by the processor 555. The memory 565 may includeone or more volatile and persistent computer-readable storage mediumsthat store the data and instructions, for example, a random accessmemory, a read only memory, a hard disk drive, removable storage drive,and the like. The processor 555 is configured to execute instructionsthat are stored in memory 565 and communicate via communication bus 560with the various elements of the scanner system 550 to carry out theoverall function of the scanner system 550.

The one or more communication busses 560 may include a communication bus560 that is configured to convey analog electrical signals and mayinclude a communication bus 560 that is configured to convey digitaldata. Accordingly, communications from the processor 555, the motioncontroller 570, and/or the interface system 575 via the one or morecommunication busses 560 may include both electrical signals and digitaldata. The processor 555, the motion controller 570, and/or the interfacesystem 575 may also be configured to communicate with one or more of thevarious elements of the scanning system 550 via a wireless communicationlink.

The motion control system 570 is configured to precisely control andcoordinate XYZ movement of the stage 580 and the objective lens 600(e.g., via the objective lens positioner 630). The motion control system570 is also configured to control movement of any other moving part inthe scanner system 550. For example, in a fluorescence scannerembodiment, the motion control system 570 is configured to coordinatemovement of optical filters and the like in the epi-illumination system635.

The interface system 575 allows the scanner system 550 to interface withother systems and human operators. For example, the interface system 575may include a user interface to provide information directly to anoperator and/or to allow direct input from an operator. The interfacesystem 575 is also configured to facilitate communication and datatransfer between the scanning system 550 and one or more externaldevices that are directly connected (e.g., a printer, removable storagemedium) or external devices such as an image server system, an operatorstation, a user station, and an administrative server system that areconnected to the scanner system 550 via a network (not shown).

The illumination system 595 is configured to illuminate a portion of thesample 590. The illumination system may include, for example, a lightsource and illumination optics. The light source could be a variableintensity halogen light source with a concave reflective mirror tomaximize light output and a KG-1 filter to suppress heat. The lightsource could also be any type of arc-lamp, laser, or other source oflight. In one embodiment, the illumination system 595 illuminates thesample 590 in transmission mode such that the line scan camera 615and/or area scan camera 620 sense optical energy that is transmittedthrough the sample 590. Alternatively, or in combination, theillumination system 595 may also be configured to illuminate the sample590 in reflection mode such that the line scan camera 615 and/or areascan camera 620 sense optical energy that is reflected from the sample590. Overall, the illumination system 595 is configured to be suitablefor interrogation of the microscopic sample 590 in any known mode ofoptical microscopy.

In one embodiment, the scanner system 550 optionally includes anepi-illumination system 635 to optimize the scanner system 550 forfluorescence scanning. Fluorescence scanning is the scanning of samples590 that include fluorescence molecules, which are photon sensitivemolecules that can absorb light at a specific wavelength (excitation).These photon sensitive molecules also emit light at a higher wavelength(emission). Because the efficiency of this photoluminescence phenomenonis very low, the amount of emitted light is often very low. This lowamount of emitted light typically frustrates conventional techniques forscanning and digitizing the sample 590 (e.g., transmission modemicroscopy). Advantageously, in an optional fluorescence scanner systemembodiment of the scanner system 550, use of a line scan camera 615 thatincludes multiple linear sensor arrays (e.g., a time delay integration(“TDI”) line scan camera) increases the sensitivity to light of the linescan camera by exposing the same area of the sample 590 to each of themultiple linear sensor arrays of the line scan camera 615. This isparticularly useful when scanning faint fluorescence samples with lowemitted light.

Accordingly, in a fluorescence scanner system embodiment, the line scancamera 615 is preferably a monochrome TDI line scan camera.Advantageously, monochrome images are ideal in fluorescence microscopybecause they provide a more accurate representation of the actualsignals from the various channels present on the sample. As will beunderstood by those skilled in the art, a fluorescence sample 590 can belabeled with multiple florescence dyes that emit light at differentwavelengths, which are also referred to as “channels.”

Furthermore, because the low and high end signal levels of variousfluorescence samples present a wide spectrum of wavelengths for the linescan camera 615 to sense, it is desirable for the low and high endsignal levels that the line scan camera 615 can sense to be similarlywide. Accordingly, in a fluorescence scanner embodiment, a line scancamera 615 used in the fluorescence scanning system 550 is a monochrome10 bit 64 linear array TDI line scan camera. It should be noted that avariety of bit depths for the line scan camera 615 can be employed foruse with a fluorescence scanner embodiment of the scanning system 550.

The movable stage 580 is configured for precise XY movement undercontrol of the processor 555 or the motion controller 570. The movablestage may also be configured for movement in Z under control of theprocessor 555 or the motion controller 570. The moveable stage isconfigured to position the sample in a desired location during imagedata capture by the line scan camera 615 and/or the area scan camera.The moveable stage is also configured to accelerate the sample 590 in ascanning direction to a substantially constant velocity and thenmaintain the substantially constant velocity during image data captureby the line scan camera 615. In one embodiment, the scanner system 550may employ a high precision and tightly coordinated XY grid to aid inthe location of the sample 590 on the movable stage 580. In oneembodiment, the movable stage 580 is a linear motor based XY stage withhigh precision encoders employed on both the X and the Y axis. Forexample, very precise nanometer encoders can be used on the axis in thescanning direction and on the axis that is in the directionperpendicular to the scanning direction and on the same plane as thescanning direction. The stage is also configured to support the glassslide 585 upon which the sample 590 is disposed.

The sample 590 can be anything that may be interrogated by opticalmicroscopy. For example, a glass microscope slide 585 is frequently usedas a viewing substrate for specimens that include tissues and cells,chromosomes, DNA, protein, blood, bone marrow, urine, bacteria, beads,biopsy materials, or any other type of biological material or substancethat is either dead or alive, stained or unstained, labeled orunlabeled. The sample 590 may also be an array of any type of DNA orDNA-related material such as cDNA or RNA or protein that is deposited onany type of slide or other substrate, including any and all samplescommonly known as a microarrays. The sample 590 may be a microtiterplate, for example a 96-well plate. Other examples of the sample 590include integrated circuit boards, electrophoresis records, petridishes, film, semiconductor materials, forensic materials, or machinedparts.

Objective lens 600 is mounted on the objective positioner 630 which, inone embodiment, may employ a very precise linear motor to move theobjective lens 600 along the optical axis defined by the objective lens600. For example, the linear motor of the objective lens positioner 630may include a 50 nanometer encoder. The relative positions of the stage580 and the objective lens 600 in XYZ axes are coordinated andcontrolled in a closed loop manner using motion controller 570 under thecontrol of the processor 555 that employs memory 565 for storinginformation and instructions, including the computer-executableprogrammed steps for overall scanning system 550 operation.

In one embodiment, the objective lens 600 is a plan apochromatic (“APO”)infinity corrected objective with a numerical aperture corresponding tothe highest spatial resolution desirable, where the objective lens 600is suitable for transmission mode illumination microscopy, reflectionmode illumination microscopy, and/or epi-illumination mode fluorescencemicroscopy (e.g., an Olympus 40×, 0.75NA or 20×, 0.75 NA).Advantageously, objective lens 600 is capable of correcting forchromatic and spherical aberrations. Because objective lens 600 isinfinity corrected, focusing optics 610 can be placed in the opticalpath 605 above the objective lens 600 where the light beam passingthrough the objective lens becomes a collimated light beam. The focusingoptics 610 focus the optical signal captured by the objective lens 600onto the light-responsive elements of the line scan camera 615 and/orthe area scan camera 620 and may include optical components such asfilters, magnification changer lenses, etc. The objective lens 600combined with focusing optics 610 provides the total magnification forthe scanning system 550. In one embodiment, the focusing optics 610 maycontain a tube lens and an optional 2× magnification changer.Advantageously, the 2× magnification changer allows a native 20×objective lens 600 to scan the sample 590 at 40× magnification.

The line scan camera 615 comprises at least one linear array of pictureelements (“pixels”). The line scan camera may be monochrome or color.Color line scan cameras typically have at least three linear arrays,while monochrome line scan cameras may have a single linear array orplural linear arrays. Any type of singular or plural linear array,whether packaged as part of a camera or custom-integrated into animaging electronic module, can also be used. For example, 3 linear array(“red-green-blue” or “RGB”) color line scan camera or a 96 linear arraymonochrome TDI may also be used. TDI line scan cameras typically providea substantially better signal-to-noise ratio (“SNR”) in the outputsignal by summing intensity data from previously imaged regions of aspecimen, yielding an increase in the SNR that is in proportion to thesquare-root of the number of integration stages. TDI line scan camerascomprise multiple linear arrays, for example, TDI line scan cameras areavailable with 24, 32, 48, 64, 96, or even more linear arrays. Thescanner system 550 also supports linear arrays that are manufactured ina variety of formats including some with 512 pixels, some with 1024pixels, and others having as many as 4096 pixels. Similarly, lineararrays with a variety of pixel sizes can also be used in the scannersystem 550. The salient requirement for the selection of any type ofline scan camera 615 is that the motion of the stage 580 can besynchronized with the line rate of the line scan camera 615 so that thestage 580 can be in motion with respect to the line scan camera 615during the digital image capture of the sample 590.

The image data generated by the line scan camera 615 is stored a portionof the memory 565 and processed by the processor 555 to generate acontiguous digital image of at least a portion of the sample 590. Thecontiguous digital image can be further processed by the processor 555and the revised contiguous digital image can also be stored in thememory 565.

In an embodiment with two or more line scan cameras 615, at least one ofthe line scan cameras 615 can be configured to function as a focusingsensor that operates in combination with at least one of the line scancameras 615 that is configured to function as an imaging sensor. Thefocusing sensor can be logically positioned on the same optical axis asthe imaging sensor or the focusing sensor may be logically positionedbefore or after the imaging sensor with respect to the scanningdirection of the scanner system 550. In such an embodiment with at leastone line scan camera 615 functioning as a focusing sensor, the imagedata generated by the focusing sensor is stored in a portion of thememory 565 and processed by the one or more processors 555 to generatefocus information to allow the scanner system 550 to adjust the relativedistance between the sample 590 and the objective lens 600 to maintainfocus on the sample during scanning. Additionally, in one embodiment theat least one line scan camera 615 functioning as a focusing sensor maybe oriented such that each of a plurality of individual pixels of thefocusing sensor is positioned at a different logical height along theoptical path 605.

In operation, the various components of the scanner system 550 and theprogrammed modules stored in memory 565 enable automatic scanning anddigitizing of the sample 590, which is disposed on a glass slide 585.The glass slide 585 is securely placed on the movable stage 580 of thescanner system 550 for scanning the sample 590. Under control of theprocessor 555, the movable stage 580 accelerates the sample 590 to asubstantially constant velocity for sensing by the line scan camera 615,where the speed of the stage is synchronized with the line rate of theline scan camera 615. After scanning a stripe of image data, the movablestage 580 decelerates and brings the sample 590 to a substantiallycomplete stop. The movable stage 580 then moves orthogonal to thescanning direction to position the sample 590 for scanning of asubsequent stripe of image data, e.g., an adjacent stripe. Additionalstripes are subsequently scanned until an entire portion of the sample590 or the entire sample 590 is scanned.

For example, during digital scanning of the sample 590, a contiguousdigital image of the sample 590 is acquired as a plurality of contiguousfields of view that are combined together to form an image strip. Aplurality of adjacent image strips are similarly combined together toform a contiguous digital image of a portion or the entire sample 590.The scanning of the sample 590 may include acquiring vertical imagestrips or horizontal image strips. The scanning of the sample 590 may beeither top-to-bottom, bottom-to-top, or both (bi-directional) and maystart at any point on the sample. Alternatively, the scanning of thesample 590 may be either left-to-right, right-to-left, or both(bi-directional) and may start at any point on the sample. Additionally,it is not necessary that image strips be acquired in an adjacent orcontiguous manner. Furthermore, the resulting image of the sample 590may be an image of the entire sample 590 or only a portion of the sample590.

In one embodiment, computer-executable instructions (e.g., programmedmodules and software) are stored in the memory 565 and, when executed,enable the scanning system 550 to perform the various functionsdescribed herein. In this description, the term “computer-readablestorage medium” is used to refer to any media used to store and providecomputer executable instructions to the scanning system 550 forexecution by the processor 555. Examples of these media include memory565 and any removable or external storage medium (not shown)communicatively coupled with the scanning system 550 either directly orindirectly, for example via a network (not shown).

FIG. 6B illustrates a line scan camera having a single linear array 640,which may be implemented as a charge coupled device (“CCD”) array. Thesingle linear array 640 comprises a plurality of individual pixels 645.In the illustrated embodiment, the single linear array 640 has 4096pixels. In alternative embodiments, linear array 640 may have more orfewer pixels. For example, common formats of linear arrays include 512,1024, and 4096 pixels. The pixels 645 are arranged in a linear fashionto define a field of view 625 for the linear array 640. The size of thefield of view varies in accordance with the magnification of the scannersystem 550.

FIG. 6C illustrates a line scan camera having three linear arrays, eachof which may be implemented as a CCD array. The three linear arrayscombine to form a color array 650. In one embodiment, each individuallinear array in the color array 650 detects a different color intensity,for example red, green, or blue. The color image data from eachindividual linear array in the color array 650 is combined to form asingle field of view 625 of color image data.

FIG. 6D illustrates a line scan camera having a plurality of lineararrays, each of which may be implemented as a CCD array. The pluralityof linear arrays combine to form a TDI array 655. Advantageously, a TDIline scan camera may provide a substantially better SNR in its outputsignal by summing intensity data from previously imaged regions of aspecimen, yielding an increase in the SNR that is in proportion to thesquare-root of the number of linear arrays (also referred to asintegration stages). A TDI line scan camera may comprise a largervariety of numbers of linear arrays, for example common formats of TDIline scan cameras include 24, 32, 48, 64, 96, 120 and even more lineararrays.

The above description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enableany person skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Variousmodifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to thoseskilled in the art, and the generic principles described herein can beapplied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scopeof the invention. Thus, it is to be understood that the description anddrawings presented herein represent a presently preferred embodiment ofthe invention and are therefore representative of the subject matterwhich is broadly contemplated by the present invention. It is furtherunderstood that the scope of the present invention fully encompassesother embodiments that may become obvious to those skilled in the artand that the scope of the present invention is accordingly not limited.

What is claimed is:
 1. A digital pathology device configured to processa slide rack in which glass slides are positioned before and afterscanning, the digital pathology device comprising: a stage upon which aglass slide is positioned during scanning; a slide conveyor systemconfigured to move glass slides between a position in the slide rack anda position on the stage; a power switch configured to control the flowof electrical power between an external power source and the digitalpathology device; a hardware processor programmed to detect a signalfrom the power switch indicating that the flow of electrical power fromthe external power source to the digital pathology device is to beswitched off, wherein in response to detecting the signal from the powerswitch indicating that the flow of electrical power from the externalpower source to the digital pathology device is to be switched off, thehardware processor is further programmed to control the stage and theslide rack and the slide conveyor system to position all glass slides inthe slide rack prior to termination of the flow of electrical power fromthe external power source to the digital pathology device.
 2. Thedigital pathology device of claim 1, wherein the power switch furthercomprises an off-delay control relay configured to delay termination ofthe flow of electrical power from the external power source to thedigital pathology device.
 3. A method for delaying a power-off conditionin a digital pathology device configured to process a slide rack inwhich glass slides are positioned before and after scanning, the digitalpathology device having a stage upon which a glass slide is positionedduring scanning and a slide conveyor system configured to move glassslides between a position in the slide rack and a position on the stage,the method comprising: detecting a signal from a power switch configuredto control the flow of electrical power between an external power sourceand the digital pathology device; determining based on the signal fromthe power switch that the flow of electrical power from an externalpower source to the digital pathology device is to be terminated;delaying termination of the flow of electrical power from the externalpower source to the digital pathology device for a predetermined delayperiod; during the delay period, controlling the stage and the sliderack and the slide conveyor system to position all glass slides in theslide rack prior to termination of the flow of electrical power from theexternal power source to the digital pathology device.
 4. The method ofclaim 3, further comprising using an off-delay control relay to delaytermination of the flow of electrical power from the external powersource to the digital pathology device.
 5. A pathology sample processingdevice comprising: a pathology sample processing system configured toprocess a pathology sample; a conveyor system configured to move apathology sample from a first position to a second position; a powerswitch configured to control the flow of electrical power between anexternal power source and the pathology sample processing device; ahardware processor programmed to detect a signal from the power switchindicating that the flow of electrical power from the external powersource to the pathology sample processing device is to be switched off,wherein in response to detecting the signal from the power switchindicating that the flow of electrical power from the external powersource to the pathology sample processing device is to be switched off,the hardware processor is further programmed to control the pathologysample processing system and the conveyor system to position allpathology samples in a known position prior to termination of the flowof electrical power from the external power source to the pathologysample processing device.
 6. The pathology sample processing device ofclaim 5, wherein the power switch further comprises an off-delay controlrelay configured to delay termination of the flow of electrical powerfrom the external power source to the pathology sample processingdevice.
 7. The pathology sample processing device of claim 5, wherein atleast a portion of the pathology sample is positioned on a glass slide.8. A method for delaying a power-off condition in a pathology sampleprocessing device having a pathology sample processing system configuredto process a pathology sample and a conveyor system configured to movethe pathology sample from a first position to a second position, themethod comprising: detecting a signal from a power switch configured tocontrol the flow of electrical power between an external power sourceand the pathology sample processing device; determining based on thesignal from the power switch that the flow of electrical power from anexternal power source to the pathology sample processing device is to beterminated; delaying termination of the flow of electrical power fromthe external power source to the pathology sample processing device fora predetermined delay period; during the delay period, controlling thepathology sample processing system and the conveyor system to positionall pathology samples in a known position prior to termination of theflow of electrical power from the external power source to the pathologysample processing device.
 9. The method of claim 8, further comprisingusing an off-delay control relay to delay termination of the flow ofelectrical power from the external power source to the pathology sampleprocessing device.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein at least a portionof the pathology sample is positioned on a glass slide.